Chapter 1
The Lord Hath Redeemd My Soul...
In verse 15, Lehi rejoices by saying
15 ...the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.Noteworthy is looking at this verse this in juxtaposition to verse 14, where he talks about physical death (his body is to "lay down in the cold and silent grave"). Further note the contrast in imagery: the cold and silent grave juxtaposed to being "encircled about eternally in the arms of his love."
Without the spiritual, the physical offers us nothing. No matter our status in this world, our wealth, our achievements, our looks, all bodies will, in effect, lay down cold and silent. What remains is our relationship with the Lord. Where the body is greeted by cold and silence, the soul (body and spirit combined) reunite with the Lord in eternal love.
This is the joy, the hope, that is available to all who follow Christ -- to be redeemed from the fall.
But what does it mean to be redeemed? Does being baptized and being a member of the church qualify one for redemption? What about "walking the covenant path?" Is the Lord simply seeking for people to "bet on the right church", observe it rituals, and keep the commandments in order to qualify for redemption?
Speaking through Amos, the Lord commands the Israelites to "Seek ye me, and ye shall live" (Amos 5:4) Thus we are to seek the Lord. But what does this mean? Do I seek him through rituals?
Continuing his speaking through Amos to the Israelites, the Lord gives us the answer:
21 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.Feast days, burnt offerings, peace offering were prescribed by the Law of Moses. The offering of the fat of the beasts (in verse 22) refers to the best offerings -- fat beasts meant the animal was healthy. The people, on others words, weren't skimping out out on doing the offerings. They were going full board. Yet, the Lord is displeased with it.
22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.
24 But let judgment (justice) run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. (Amos 5)
Thus following the rituals or commandments alone is not enough. Instead the Lord wants us to be just and righteous people. To achieve this means that we are in a right relationship with him. And what does this mean? Consider the example of the Brother of Jared:
11 And the Lord said unto him (Brother of Jared): Believest thou the words which I shall speak?Pursuing justice and being righteous redeems us from the fall. And to be redeemed means to be brought into the Lord presence. If you have not entered into the Lord's presence (in a similar manner to the Brother of Jared), you are not yet redeemed. This means that the consequences of the fall still has its hold upon you.
12 And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.
13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.
It is our redemption that the Lord cares about. This occurs by entering his presence. The rituals we follow are designed to point us to the Lord. They are means to an end; not the end themselves.
The Ultimate Effects of Hardening Our Heart
In previous post, I discussed the real danger of sinning (succumbing to temptation). Here, I'd like to explore this idea further by looking at what Lehi says.
In speaking to his sons, Laman and Lemuel, he exclaims:
17 My heart hath been weighed down with sorrow from time to time, for I have feared, lest for the hardness of your hearts the Lord your God should come out in the fulness of his wrath upon you, that ye be cut off and destroyed forever;
18 Or, that a cursing should come upon you for the space of many generations; and ye are visited by sword, and by famine, and are hated, and are led according to the will and captivity of the devil.Lehi provides four effects of hardening you heart. As a reminder, someone hardens their heart when they succumb to temptation. The Lord is extremely merciful for those who make mistakes and repent by turning to him in both action and thought. But some of us don't repent. Continued non-repentance leads to dire consequences
Here, Lehi has outlined some of those long terms effects.
- Cut off from the presence of the Lord and destroyed; OR
- Cursed (for many generation) with war, conflict, famine and hatred, being held captive by the devil.
Cut Off From The Lord's Presence
As a reminder, the Tree of Life symbolizes the presence of God. Our life is about ascending into his presence. To be cut off from his presence, means that we remain in the mists of darkness, likely leading to us drowning in the "filthy waters."
Cursed
Lehi explains that another consequence of hardening of heart is a lasting curse that leads to war, conflict, famine, and hatred.
Considering each of these consequences can lead to some insight. The scriptures teach us that before Christ comes again, things will get bad -- really bad. The scriptures warn us about wars, famine, conflict, hatred, and spiritual captivity will all precede the Lord's coming.
Here are some of those scriptures and teaching by prophets:
Wars
And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations;" (D&C 87:6)Famine
3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation....
4 That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.
10 The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.Conflict and Hatred
11 Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.
12 The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men. (Joel 1)
I saw men hunting the lives of their own sons, and brother murdering brother, women killing their own daughters, and daughters seeking the lives of their mothers. I saw armies arrayed against armies. I saw blood, desolation, fires. The Son of man has said that the mother shall be against the daughters, and the daughter against the mother. These things are at our doors. They will follow the Saints of God from city to city. Satan will rage, and the spirit of the devil is now enraged. I know not how soon these things will take place; but with a view of them, shall I cry peace? No; I will lift up my voice and testify of them. How long you will have good crops, and the famine be kept off, I do not know; when the fig tree leaves, know then that the summer is nigh at hand. (TPJS, 161)
These same things are exactly what Lehi tied to being by the Lord. Connecting what Lehi warned and what the scripture prophesy will happen can lead us to conclude that our future destruction is because of our heard hearts. Our hearts having calcified to such an extent that we can't hear the word of the Lord makes us cursed. And being cursed we face the outcomes.
========================================================================
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of 2 Nephi is rich with insight and plumbing with depth. It's also difficult and dense at certain parts. Because of this, I will only address a few subjects that readily stick-out from my reading of chapter 2.
Did Adam and Eve Have To Eat From The Tree?
I've noticed a recent trend in the LDS Church concerning Adam and Eve. Although it's not explicit, I've recognized this trend in both the temple ceremony video and conversations in Sunday School. This teaching is that God required Adam and Eve to sin in order to advance the plan of salvation.
While the scriptures may arguably been unclear on this point, because they don't explicitly say that Adam and Eve didn't have to sin, I'd like to look at the evidence to see what might be going on.
Book of Abraham
The first place to look is the Book of Abraham (BOA). Here the Lord shows Abraham the events of the Garden of Eden, and what was expected of Adam and Eve.
The Lord teaches that the "Gods took the man [Adam] and put him the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it." (Abraham 5:11) In addition to keeping the garden, the Gods commanded Adam not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Abraham 5:12). Because if they ate, they should surely die. (Abraham 5:13).
After seeing that the command was given, Abraham states:
But why does this matter? Because in the next clause, Abraham sees that God had not given Adam his reckoning. Webster's 1828 defines reckoning as "an account of time". In other words, Adam had not be given his time to eat the from the fruit.
Put together, the Lord gave a command based on the time of Kolob. Adam was required to wait until his time to eat from the tree was appropriate. Adam, and by extension, Eve, ate the fruit out of season.
Therefore, what these textual evidences point to is this possibility that the Lord, after creating man and woman, rested from his work on the 7th day. Adam and Eve were supposed to do the same, but they succumbed to temptation.
2 Nephi 2
Based on this reading of Abraham 5, some may immediately think of 2 Nephi 2 to rebut my explanation. However, 2 Nephi 2 is not saying what we think it says.
The best place to start is verse 19 to set the context. It reads:
The first thing is that this verse is referring only to Adam, not Eve. It's not saying "if Adam and Eve had not transgressed..." This maters because Lehi is talking about Adam's choice. Since Eve had partook of the fruit, if Adam did not also partake of the fruit, he would have remained. And as result,
Thus "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." Adam chose to transgress so creation could move forward.
Theme in the Scriptures
Book of Abraham
The first place to look is the Book of Abraham (BOA). Here the Lord shows Abraham the events of the Garden of Eden, and what was expected of Adam and Eve.
The Lord teaches that the "Gods took the man [Adam] and put him the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it." (Abraham 5:11) In addition to keeping the garden, the Gods commanded Adam not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Abraham 5:12). Because if they ate, they should surely die. (Abraham 5:13).
After seeing that the command was given, Abraham states:
"Now I, Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord’s time, which was after the time of Kolob; for as yet the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his reckoning."The "it" (bolded) refers to the command given not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in verse 12. The "which" (underlined) is noun clause referring to the Lord's time. In other words, the verse could be rewritten to say, "... I... saw that the command not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was after the Lord's time and The Lord's time was based on Kolob's time. Thus the command was based on Kolob's time, not the earth's time.
But why does this matter? Because in the next clause, Abraham sees that God had not given Adam his reckoning. Webster's 1828 defines reckoning as "an account of time". In other words, Adam had not be given his time to eat the from the fruit.
Put together, the Lord gave a command based on the time of Kolob. Adam was required to wait until his time to eat from the tree was appropriate. Adam, and by extension, Eve, ate the fruit out of season.
Therefore, what these textual evidences point to is this possibility that the Lord, after creating man and woman, rested from his work on the 7th day. Adam and Eve were supposed to do the same, but they succumbed to temptation.
2 Nephi 2
Based on this reading of Abraham 5, some may immediately think of 2 Nephi 2 to rebut my explanation. However, 2 Nephi 2 is not saying what we think it says.
The best place to start is verse 19 to set the context. It reads:
19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.Lehi then later explains:
20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden...At first blush verse 22 seems clear. If "Adam had not transgressed he would have not fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden." However, the meaning of this verse is subtle, and I didn't recognize it until someone else pointed it out.
The first thing is that this verse is referring only to Adam, not Eve. It's not saying "if Adam and Eve had not transgressed..." This maters because Lehi is talking about Adam's choice. Since Eve had partook of the fruit, if Adam did not also partake of the fruit, he would have remained. And as result,
... And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they (all things) were after they were created; and they (all things) must have remained forever, and had no end.If Adam had stayed, creation would have been halted. All things would have remained in the same state. Eve was expelled and Adam remained. Based on that separation, they would not be able to have children therefore "reamin[ing] remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin."
Thus "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." Adam chose to transgress so creation could move forward.
Theme in the Scriptures
Besides the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, The Tree of Life was placed in the Garden of Eden. Lehi's dream depicts people walking towards the Tree of Life. Moreover, in at the end of the book of Revelation, John places the Tree of Life in Zion.
The reason why these things are important is because they deal with the theme of returning to Eden. It was never God's plan that humanity is separated from God. And looking at the scriptures reveals this truth. The scriptures attest to the fact that God doesn't remove him for us, but we from him based on the choices we make. Based on this, it reasonable to infer that Adam and Eve's transgression excluded all of us from the Garden. Because we are excluded from the Garden, our goal in life is to get back -- first as individuals and then as a group.
Free Will
One often discussed topic in philosophy is the concept of free will. And in line with concept is the question of how free we are. Some argue that humans have complete free will. Others are more qualified, taking a middle approach. Some further argue that free will doesn't exist because of what happens on the micro or biological level; others remain agnostic.
As believers in Christ, where do we fall along this spectrum? From my own observations, it seems that the majority of LDS members take the position that humans are absolutely free, given a few exceptions of physical limitations and natural laws. Based on this conclusion we further reason that what we do is done by our own volition.
However, Lehi appears to be teaching something different. According to Lehi, humans are free in who they choose to follow. Thus humans are free to either listen to the Spirit which leads to life, or to the Devil, who leads us into captivity. Lehi doesn't make room for any other possibility.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
Lehi states that men are free according to the flesh. I take "according to the flesh" to mean that human's freedom is limited by the flesh. Later he then explains what humans are free to do: 1) choose liberty and eternal through Christ OR 2) choose captivity and death.
Lehi's views about free-will is further fleshed-out earlier in the chapter. Reflecting on the fall of man through Adam and Eve's transgression, Lehi concludes that Adam and Eve had to be tempted in order for them to have an existence. Otherwise, there would "be not purpose in the end of [our] creation and thus "righteousness could not be brought to pass." However, Lehi further rules out the concept of full free-will by explaining that "man could not act for himself [except] it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.
Thus, according to Lehi, acting for humans is achieved by being enticed from two different sources. Without that, humans would not be free.
Implications
Through Lehi's insight into the nature of free-will, we can consider some of the implications. The first implication deals with how to respond to trials.
Sometimes we may wonder why the Lord "intervenes" in our life to give us trials. We may believe that, because we are free, we should be able to choose what we want, and not have the Lord get involved. Moreover, we may think that because the Lord is getting involved in our life that he is interfering with it.
If we believed in absolute free-will, then this concern would be understandable. However, it appears that life does not work that way. As Lehi points out, life is about choosing which influence we'll heed. Thus there is not free choice in the sense that one makes it without external influence. Instead, all of us make choices based on the "influence" we choose to heed -- i.e., the voice we listen to.
This is not say, however, that every little choice we make is due to spiritual influence. Although I don't have evidence to suggest otherwise, I'm not convinced that the Devil is behind someone's poor fashion choice to wear plaid pants to church, or what car a persons decides to buy. I think when it comes to choices that don't affect our spiritual progression, the choices are made by us.
But when it comes to the big choices, we are being influenced to make these choices based on the spirit we will head. Thus are life outcomes are sim total of which spirit when decided to heed the most. This leads to my point about Christ intervening.
One reason why the Lord gives us trials (particularly those who don't want to do anything with the Lord or would like to keep a safe distance) is to break us away from the influence of the evil spirit. If he didn't intervene by humbling us, we might never break away from the evil spirit's influence and thus be lead into spiritual captivity.
Sometimes we may wonder why the Lord "intervenes" in our life to give us trials. We may believe that, because we are free, we should be able to choose what we want, and not have the Lord get involved. Moreover, we may think that because the Lord is getting involved in our life that he is interfering with it.
If we believed in absolute free-will, then this concern would be understandable. However, it appears that life does not work that way. As Lehi points out, life is about choosing which influence we'll heed. Thus there is not free choice in the sense that one makes it without external influence. Instead, all of us make choices based on the "influence" we choose to heed -- i.e., the voice we listen to.
This is not say, however, that every little choice we make is due to spiritual influence. Although I don't have evidence to suggest otherwise, I'm not convinced that the Devil is behind someone's poor fashion choice to wear plaid pants to church, or what car a persons decides to buy. I think when it comes to choices that don't affect our spiritual progression, the choices are made by us.
But when it comes to the big choices, we are being influenced to make these choices based on the spirit we will head. Thus are life outcomes are sim total of which spirit when decided to heed the most. This leads to my point about Christ intervening.
One reason why the Lord gives us trials (particularly those who don't want to do anything with the Lord or would like to keep a safe distance) is to break us away from the influence of the evil spirit. If he didn't intervene by humbling us, we might never break away from the evil spirit's influence and thus be lead into spiritual captivity.
========================================================================
Chapter 3
As with Isaiah, I imagine that chapter 3, with its shift in subject, is confusing and challenging to read. However, chapter 3 contains many rich insights to help us understand the purpose of the Restoration and God's working in our life. To aide your understanding, I'm going to take the verse-by-verse approach, breaking down the key points.
The chapter begins with Lehi speaking to his son Joseph. In his conversation, Nephi explains how his ancestor, Jospeh of Egypt, received promises of the Lord concerning his posterity and the Lord's work. The promises he received are applicable to us.
Let's begin:
Verse 5: Jospeh of Egypt ("JOE") saw Lehi's day and obtained a promise from the Lord that God would raise up "righteous branch to the house of Israel ("HOI"). This branch is Manasseh. The breaking off refers to the separation from the Jews. This part was fulfilled by Lehi being lead to the promised land.
Verse 6: JOE testifies that the Lord will raise up a "choice seer" unto his posterity (the fruit of [his] loins).
Verse 7-8: The Lord, speaking to JOE, explains the work of this "choice seer." This seer will be held in high regard among JOE's posterity (the tribe of Ephraim). And the choice seer will only do what the Lord commands him to do. The work this choice seer will be the bringing the knowledge of the Lord's covenants to JOE's posterity.
[Remember in 1 Nephi 15 that the purpose of the Book of Mormon was to bring the knowledge of the Lord's covenants to Laminates (since Nephi's posterity was annihilated. Thus this "choice seer" is Joseph Smith.]
Verse 9: Lord explains that The "choice seer" will be like a Moses-figure, to deliver the House of Israel.
Verse 11: In this verse, the Lord is talking about a different seer. It's not talking bout Joseph Smith. We know this because the end of verse 11 says that this seer's job is to convince JOE's posterity of the "word" which as already gone forth. Jospeh Smith's job was to send forth the Book of Mormon (the word); the next seer's job is to convince JOE's posterity that the Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith was killed before the Book of Mormon could go forth fully to JOE's posterity. Therefore the next seer is to convince JOE's posterity more fully of the truth of the Book of Mormon.
[As a side-note, I believe that this second seer is the Davidic Servant, that same Davidic Servant prophesied by Isaiah. I believe this because the job of the Davidic Servant described in verse 11 is similar to how Isaiah's description of the Davidic Servant]
Verse 12: Explains the Book of Mormon and Bible shall be used to bring knowledge and refute false doctrine.
Verse 13: Shifts back to Jospeh Smith. This shift is indicated by the phrase "...he shall be made strong...when my work commence among all my people..." Jospeh Smith's and the restoration of the gospel marked the time when the Lord's work began (commenced).
Verses 14-15: Jospeh Smith will be blessed by the Lord and he shall be called of the JOE and after Joseph Smith's father. Jospeh Smith's work will bring people to salvation -- to redemption.
[Bringing to knowledge of salvation involves teaching people how to be redeemed. The Book of Mormon teaches that redemption is more than being baptized, but requires entering into the Lord's presence. (see Ether 3). It is the knowledge that humanity is to ascend into the Lord's presence that leads one to salvation.]
Verse 17: Lord prophecies of Moses. Explains that Moses's power will come from a rod and the Lord will appoint a spokesman for Moses because of poor speech. The Lord, moreover, will write his law for Moses.
Verse 18-19: The Lord speaks about Joseph Smith again, likening him to Moses. Like Moses, Joseph Smith shall have a spokesman (Sydney Ridgon). And like Moses, Jospeh Smith will be given power to translate the Book of Mormon (the writing of JOE's posterity). And those words will go forth to JOE's posterity.
Verse 22 [Lehi speaking]: Lehi then addressed his son Joseph, explaining that because of the Lord's covenant with JOE, Jospeh (Lehi's son) is blessed and his posterity, unlike Nephi's, shall not be destroyed. And his posterity will hearken to the Book of Mormon.
Verse 23: Lehi explains that a seer (one mighty or Davidic Servant), with exceeding faith, shall come from among them, who will be an instrument in the Lord's hand to work might wonders. This seer will be able to restore much of the lost tribes of Israel.
[What does from among them mean? This phrase can me two things: 1) Davidic Servant will live and dwell with Joseph's posterity or 2) He will come from Jospeh's posterity directly.]
========================================================================
Verse 6: JOE testifies that the Lord will raise up a "choice seer" unto his posterity (the fruit of [his] loins).
Verse 7-8: The Lord, speaking to JOE, explains the work of this "choice seer." This seer will be held in high regard among JOE's posterity (the tribe of Ephraim). And the choice seer will only do what the Lord commands him to do. The work this choice seer will be the bringing the knowledge of the Lord's covenants to JOE's posterity.
[Remember in 1 Nephi 15 that the purpose of the Book of Mormon was to bring the knowledge of the Lord's covenants to Laminates (since Nephi's posterity was annihilated. Thus this "choice seer" is Joseph Smith.]
Verse 9: Lord explains that The "choice seer" will be like a Moses-figure, to deliver the House of Israel.
Verse 11: In this verse, the Lord is talking about a different seer. It's not talking bout Joseph Smith. We know this because the end of verse 11 says that this seer's job is to convince JOE's posterity of the "word" which as already gone forth. Jospeh Smith's job was to send forth the Book of Mormon (the word); the next seer's job is to convince JOE's posterity that the Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith was killed before the Book of Mormon could go forth fully to JOE's posterity. Therefore the next seer is to convince JOE's posterity more fully of the truth of the Book of Mormon.
[As a side-note, I believe that this second seer is the Davidic Servant, that same Davidic Servant prophesied by Isaiah. I believe this because the job of the Davidic Servant described in verse 11 is similar to how Isaiah's description of the Davidic Servant]
Verse 12: Explains the Book of Mormon and Bible shall be used to bring knowledge and refute false doctrine.
Verse 13: Shifts back to Jospeh Smith. This shift is indicated by the phrase "...he shall be made strong...when my work commence among all my people..." Jospeh Smith's and the restoration of the gospel marked the time when the Lord's work began (commenced).
Verses 14-15: Jospeh Smith will be blessed by the Lord and he shall be called of the JOE and after Joseph Smith's father. Jospeh Smith's work will bring people to salvation -- to redemption.
[Bringing to knowledge of salvation involves teaching people how to be redeemed. The Book of Mormon teaches that redemption is more than being baptized, but requires entering into the Lord's presence. (see Ether 3). It is the knowledge that humanity is to ascend into the Lord's presence that leads one to salvation.]
Verse 17: Lord prophecies of Moses. Explains that Moses's power will come from a rod and the Lord will appoint a spokesman for Moses because of poor speech. The Lord, moreover, will write his law for Moses.
Verse 18-19: The Lord speaks about Joseph Smith again, likening him to Moses. Like Moses, Joseph Smith shall have a spokesman (Sydney Ridgon). And like Moses, Jospeh Smith will be given power to translate the Book of Mormon (the writing of JOE's posterity). And those words will go forth to JOE's posterity.
Verse 22 [Lehi speaking]: Lehi then addressed his son Joseph, explaining that because of the Lord's covenant with JOE, Jospeh (Lehi's son) is blessed and his posterity, unlike Nephi's, shall not be destroyed. And his posterity will hearken to the Book of Mormon.
Verse 23: Lehi explains that a seer (one mighty or Davidic Servant), with exceeding faith, shall come from among them, who will be an instrument in the Lord's hand to work might wonders. This seer will be able to restore much of the lost tribes of Israel.
[What does from among them mean? This phrase can me two things: 1) Davidic Servant will live and dwell with Joseph's posterity or 2) He will come from Jospeh's posterity directly.]
========================================================================
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 is known as the Psalm of Nephi. Here, we get a truly human depiction of Nephi. Up until this point, Nephi has not expressed an doubts or talked about his weakness. However, this chapter shows how human Nephi is. And despite all that he has seen and all the blessings he's received, he still struggles.
Avoiding Temptation
I think it's fair to say that one principle we extract from reading the Book of Mormon is that of the condition of heart determines how we respond to challenges and truth. Nephi further expresses this principle in chapter 4 when he writes,
From Nephi's earlier statement, we learned that Satan's influence is at his apex when we've succumbed to temptation and as a result hardened our heart.
Here, we now learn that Satan's power is weakened when our heart is broken and contrite.
As you read the verses below, ponder why having a broken heart and contrite spirit is significant for drawing near to the Lord:
From the Old Testament
Questions to Consider
From this, we can see that Lord requires our heart. The verse from Ezekiel is referring to preparing people for Zion. To prepare them, the Lord will give them a new heart, replacing the heart of stone (the hard heart) for a broken and contrite one. Further notice in Mormon what happens to those who refuse to come with a broken heart and contrite spirit -- they reject the Lord.
To bring us full circle, consider this thought: Nephi links having broken heart and contrite spirit with being able Satan to overcome Satan.
The reason why this is possible is for two reason: 1) knowledge and 2) humility.
Knowledge
Jospeh Smith taught that a man is saved no faster than he acquires knowledge. Doctrine and Covenants 93 teach us that life on earth is about acquiring light and truth. Thus knowledge is important. Having knowledge shows us the rightness of seeking after righteousness.
For example, I choose not to drink from a toilet bowl because I know that it will make me sick (and perhaps die) and I know that there are other things out there that are more enjoyable than urine and feces ridden water. I make this choice because of my knowledge.
This principle is applicable with spiritual matters. Satan has power over us when we are ignorant about the reality he's hiding from us. He is able to deceive us because he hides the reality of our actions from us. If we knew what really happened or the ultimate outcome of our bad choices, we would reject it. All of us would. But this is where his power lies -- in deceiving us about the outcomes our bad choices. And by doing this, he has power over us to afflict and torment us.
The way to break free from his grasp is to acquire more knowledge about our situation. Once we see the reality and the outcome of our choices, we realize that it's not the choice we want to make. We reject the temptation. Just like I don't want to drink toilet bowl water because of my knowledge of better things, so do will we reject Satan's power because we see that what he has to offer us is not better than toilet water.
Thus acquiring light and knowledge gives us power to avoid temptation. But if true, why don't we acquire it to a greater degree? This leads to the second part -- humility
Humility
While knowledge will give us power of the devil, the knowledge given to us will likely be difficult for us to receive. Learning about how things really are is bitter and unpleasant. Most of us have surrounded ourselves with false beliefs so we don't have to face reality. More so, many of us have built our identify around these false beliefs.
Asking for light and truth (more knowledge) will inevitably require our false beliefs to be shattered. Psychologist call this cognitive dissonance; eastern philosophy refers to this as ego death.But whatever the name, the fact is that learning light and truth is not easy. In the process we have to come face-to-face with who we really are and what the world is really like. This is unsettling. Because of this, many will reject the light and truth God desires to give them.
Consider Joseph Smith's experiences explained by him and others:
Thus I believe the reason why Nephi could overcome the devil was that by having a broken heart and contrite spirit, he was receptive the light and truth needed to overcome and remain in God's loving embrace. His will was so broken that he could only rely on God.
I think it's fair to say that one principle we extract from reading the Book of Mormon is that of the condition of heart determines how we respond to challenges and truth. Nephi further expresses this principle in chapter 4 when he writes,
32 May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!Here Nephi is praying to the Lord for Satan's influence to be kept at bay. Notable is the reason for why Nephi is able to say this. He explains "because... my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite." Later we'll look more at this principle of having a broken heart and contrite spirit. But for now, it's worth pondering on the connection between the strength of Satan's influence and the degree to which our heart is broken.
From Nephi's earlier statement, we learned that Satan's influence is at his apex when we've succumbed to temptation and as a result hardened our heart.
Here, we now learn that Satan's power is weakened when our heart is broken and contrite.
As you read the verses below, ponder why having a broken heart and contrite spirit is significant for drawing near to the Lord:
From the Old Testament
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 30:26)
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34)
13 ¶ When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;From the Doctrine and Covenants
14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57)
18 But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.And From the Book of Mormon
12 And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people.
13 But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.
14 And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their lives.
Questions to Consider
From this, we can see that Lord requires our heart. The verse from Ezekiel is referring to preparing people for Zion. To prepare them, the Lord will give them a new heart, replacing the heart of stone (the hard heart) for a broken and contrite one. Further notice in Mormon what happens to those who refuse to come with a broken heart and contrite spirit -- they reject the Lord.
To bring us full circle, consider this thought: Nephi links having broken heart and contrite spirit with being able Satan to overcome Satan.
The reason why this is possible is for two reason: 1) knowledge and 2) humility.
Knowledge
Jospeh Smith taught that a man is saved no faster than he acquires knowledge. Doctrine and Covenants 93 teach us that life on earth is about acquiring light and truth. Thus knowledge is important. Having knowledge shows us the rightness of seeking after righteousness.
For example, I choose not to drink from a toilet bowl because I know that it will make me sick (and perhaps die) and I know that there are other things out there that are more enjoyable than urine and feces ridden water. I make this choice because of my knowledge.
This principle is applicable with spiritual matters. Satan has power over us when we are ignorant about the reality he's hiding from us. He is able to deceive us because he hides the reality of our actions from us. If we knew what really happened or the ultimate outcome of our bad choices, we would reject it. All of us would. But this is where his power lies -- in deceiving us about the outcomes our bad choices. And by doing this, he has power over us to afflict and torment us.
The way to break free from his grasp is to acquire more knowledge about our situation. Once we see the reality and the outcome of our choices, we realize that it's not the choice we want to make. We reject the temptation. Just like I don't want to drink toilet bowl water because of my knowledge of better things, so do will we reject Satan's power because we see that what he has to offer us is not better than toilet water.
Thus acquiring light and knowledge gives us power to avoid temptation. But if true, why don't we acquire it to a greater degree? This leads to the second part -- humility
Humility
While knowledge will give us power of the devil, the knowledge given to us will likely be difficult for us to receive. Learning about how things really are is bitter and unpleasant. Most of us have surrounded ourselves with false beliefs so we don't have to face reality. More so, many of us have built our identify around these false beliefs.
Asking for light and truth (more knowledge) will inevitably require our false beliefs to be shattered. Psychologist call this cognitive dissonance; eastern philosophy refers to this as ego death.But whatever the name, the fact is that learning light and truth is not easy. In the process we have to come face-to-face with who we really are and what the world is really like. This is unsettling. Because of this, many will reject the light and truth God desires to give them.
Consider Joseph Smith's experiences explained by him and others:
Willford Woodruf stated: "Brother Joseph used a great many methods of testing the integrity of men...and the Lord taught him many things by vision and revelation that were never taught publicly in his days; for the people could not bear the flood of intelligence which God poured into his mind." (JD 5:83-84.)
"I desire the learning and wisdom of heaven alone. (I) have not the least idea but if Christ should come and preach such rough things as he preached to the Jews, but this generation would reject him for being so rough." (Sunday, 11 June 1843; Joseph Smith Diary; Words of Joseph Smith ; p. 210)
Often throughout the remainder of his life, Joseph Smith would lament that many saints were unwilling to accept the glorious things revealed to him from
heaven." (Words of Joseph Smith, p. 55.)
Brigham Young remarked: "I recollect, in Far West, Joseph talking upon these matters, said: "The people cannot bear the revelations that the Lord had for them. There were a great many revelations if the people could bear them."(JD 18:242.)As we learn, the Saints, due to stubbornness, missed out advancing in truth and light. To receive all the light and truth God wants to gives us requires that our hearts (our core self) be broken. To receive what God seeks to teach us requires us to give up ourselves. By doing this, then we willing to let God teach us all that we can bear.
Thus I believe the reason why Nephi could overcome the devil was that by having a broken heart and contrite spirit, he was receptive the light and truth needed to overcome and remain in God's loving embrace. His will was so broken that he could only rely on God.
========================================================================
Chapter 5
Is the Book of Mormon Racist?
Over the past few weeks, a significant amount of people (both members and non-members) have taken to social media to decry the purported racism of the Book of Mormon. Any charge of racism is a serious one and not to be treated lightly. Yet, it's also true that the definition for racism has also been detached from any clear meaning. Thus, accusations of racism are often result for us talking-past each other.
Therefore, before moving forward I want to give a clear definition of racism. For me, I define racism as an animosity towards another person because of his/her skin color. This animosity results in viewing the other person as less than human.
Thus, our question is whether the Book of Mormon supports the view that the Lamanites are less than human. Moreover, in answering this question, we can't simply ignore the text because it makes us feel uncomfortable. Instead, we must push into the light, searching for answers.
Over the past few weeks, a significant amount of people (both members and non-members) have taken to social media to decry the purported racism of the Book of Mormon. Any charge of racism is a serious one and not to be treated lightly. Yet, it's also true that the definition for racism has also been detached from any clear meaning. Thus, accusations of racism are often result for us talking-past each other.
Therefore, before moving forward I want to give a clear definition of racism. For me, I define racism as an animosity towards another person because of his/her skin color. This animosity results in viewing the other person as less than human.
Thus, our question is whether the Book of Mormon supports the view that the Lamanites are less than human. Moreover, in answering this question, we can't simply ignore the text because it makes us feel uncomfortable. Instead, we must push into the light, searching for answers.
Looking at the Evidence
The first place to start is 2 Nephi 5, where the idea of the Lamanites being cursed comes into play. To see how the verse is working, we are going to break it into two digestible pieces.
The first place to start is 2 Nephi 5, where the idea of the Lamanites being cursed comes into play. To see how the verse is working, we are going to break it into two digestible pieces.
2 Nephi 5
Here we learn about the curse against the Lamanites. The Lord explains that [so long as] the Lamanites don't listen to Nephi's words, they'll be cut off from the Lord's presence. In verse 21, it says "and [the Lord] caused the cursing to come upon [the Lamanites]...because of their iniquity.
Two things to note: First, the curse lasts as long as the Lamanties reject Nephi's words, thus suggesting that the curse is not permanent. Second, the beginning of verse 21 tells us that the cursing was being cut off from the Lord's presence. Thus, according to 2 Nephi 5, the curse was not related to skin color. The curse was being cut off from the Lord's presence.
Verse 21 then goes on to say:
Now, I'm aware that this idea of giving a group dark skin so they would not be enticing to another group sounds racist and suggest that darkness is unattractive. But here are some things to consider:
Other Considerations
First, the Websters 1828 definition for enticing is "Inciting to evil; urging to sin by motives, flattery or persuasion; alluring." Thus, the meaning for enticing is not clear cut and does not necessary mean attractiveness.
Second, the reason why the Lord wanted to keep the Lamanites separate from the Nephites was to prevent the mixing of false traditions. The Lamanites, through their hardheartedness, rejected what the Lord had to teach. And as a replacement, they propagated false beliefs about how they were wronged and taken advantage of by Nephi. Additional, we learn that due to being cut off from the Lord's presence, the people become idle.
The skin color did not make them idle. Instead, it was being cut off from light and truth that caused the Lamanites to become idle. It was this and their false beliefs that the Lord wanted to prevent from seeping into Nephite culture.
Third, the change of skin color happened in a particular time for a particular people. We err by assuming that the same reason the Lord did something in the past is the same reason why he does something today. The change in skin color is regarding the Lamanites; not other people of color around the world.
Fourth, perhaps Nephi is interpreting the events according to his understanding. After all, Nephi is merely a man, not everything he says is 100% correct (unless it's revealed to him). Further noteworthy, that unlike verse 20, where the Lord is speaking directly to Nephi, in verse 21, Nephi gives his explanation. Thus, Nephi could be interpreting the Lord's purposes.
On this point of interpreting events, some scholars have suggested that other indigenous people were living in the Americas before Lehi's family arrived. The Lamanites seed become dark by mixing with the indigenous population. And by mixing, they lost further light and truth.
Fifth, or it could be that the Lord changed their skin so they would not be attractive. This may be shocking and unsettling, but as we learned above the truth of God is often unsettling because it goes against our beliefs and intuition. But let's not be like the early Saints who set up stakes and drew lines in the proverbial sand for how much God could reveal. We know that God is love and that he is not a respecter of persons.
But if this issue is of concern, then go to the Lord to receive answers.
Lehi's Covenant
Of course these are just thing to consider; they may be false. But regardless of the Lord's reason we should bear in mind Lehi's covenant and what Nephi learned about the Lamanites. These things tell us how the Lord feels about the Lamanites.
Lehi's covenant with the Lord ensure that the Lamanites are inheritors of the American lands. Thus, it seems hard to say a book is racist if those with dark skin are the inheritors of this land. Additionally, if the Lord viewed the Lamanites differently, then why would he have Nephi and his posterity preserve a record specifically for the purpose of going forth to the Lamanites?
Consider what the Lord says to people at Bountiful (both Nephites and Lamanites)
18 And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king. But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power.
...
20 Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.
21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity.
Here we learn about the curse against the Lamanites. The Lord explains that [so long as] the Lamanites don't listen to Nephi's words, they'll be cut off from the Lord's presence. In verse 21, it says "and [the Lord] caused the cursing to come upon [the Lamanites]...because of their iniquity.
Two things to note: First, the curse lasts as long as the Lamanties reject Nephi's words, thus suggesting that the curse is not permanent. Second, the beginning of verse 21 tells us that the cursing was being cut off from the Lord's presence. Thus, according to 2 Nephi 5, the curse was not related to skin color. The curse was being cut off from the Lord's presence.
Verse 21 then goes on to say:
21 For behold, they [Lamanites] had hardened their hearts against him [the Lord], that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.
22 And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities.
...
24 And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.From the end of verse 21, we learn that the skin color was done so that Lamanites would not be enticing to the Nephites.
Now, I'm aware that this idea of giving a group dark skin so they would not be enticing to another group sounds racist and suggest that darkness is unattractive. But here are some things to consider:
Other Considerations
First, the Websters 1828 definition for enticing is "Inciting to evil; urging to sin by motives, flattery or persuasion; alluring." Thus, the meaning for enticing is not clear cut and does not necessary mean attractiveness.
Second, the reason why the Lord wanted to keep the Lamanites separate from the Nephites was to prevent the mixing of false traditions. The Lamanites, through their hardheartedness, rejected what the Lord had to teach. And as a replacement, they propagated false beliefs about how they were wronged and taken advantage of by Nephi. Additional, we learn that due to being cut off from the Lord's presence, the people become idle.
The skin color did not make them idle. Instead, it was being cut off from light and truth that caused the Lamanites to become idle. It was this and their false beliefs that the Lord wanted to prevent from seeping into Nephite culture.
Third, the change of skin color happened in a particular time for a particular people. We err by assuming that the same reason the Lord did something in the past is the same reason why he does something today. The change in skin color is regarding the Lamanites; not other people of color around the world.
Fourth, perhaps Nephi is interpreting the events according to his understanding. After all, Nephi is merely a man, not everything he says is 100% correct (unless it's revealed to him). Further noteworthy, that unlike verse 20, where the Lord is speaking directly to Nephi, in verse 21, Nephi gives his explanation. Thus, Nephi could be interpreting the Lord's purposes.
On this point of interpreting events, some scholars have suggested that other indigenous people were living in the Americas before Lehi's family arrived. The Lamanites seed become dark by mixing with the indigenous population. And by mixing, they lost further light and truth.
Fifth, or it could be that the Lord changed their skin so they would not be attractive. This may be shocking and unsettling, but as we learned above the truth of God is often unsettling because it goes against our beliefs and intuition. But let's not be like the early Saints who set up stakes and drew lines in the proverbial sand for how much God could reveal. We know that God is love and that he is not a respecter of persons.
But if this issue is of concern, then go to the Lord to receive answers.
Lehi's Covenant
Of course these are just thing to consider; they may be false. But regardless of the Lord's reason we should bear in mind Lehi's covenant and what Nephi learned about the Lamanites. These things tell us how the Lord feels about the Lamanites.
Lehi's covenant with the Lord ensure that the Lamanites are inheritors of the American lands. Thus, it seems hard to say a book is racist if those with dark skin are the inheritors of this land. Additionally, if the Lord viewed the Lamanites differently, then why would he have Nephi and his posterity preserve a record specifically for the purpose of going forth to the Lamanites?
Consider what the Lord says to people at Bountiful (both Nephites and Lamanites)
22 And behold, this people (Nephites and Lamanites) will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people (Nephites and Lamanites); yea, even I will be in the midst of you.
...
23 ye (Nephites and Lamanites) are the children of the prophets; and ye are of the house of Israel; and ye are of the covenant which the Father made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham:
No comments:
Post a Comment